Short answer: the Revel M105 for better sound quality, the JBL Studio 530 for the lower price. The Revel M105 ranks #8 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $1500. The JBL Studio 530 ranks #23 at $399, $1101 cheaper.
What the Revel M105 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Watch for: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads.
The case for the JBL Studio 530: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly flat on-axis response. The tradeoff: A peak around 1.4kHz is attributed to a tweeter resonance, and shows up as a distinct spike in harmonic distortion at that frequency along with a second resonance-driven bump around 2kHz.
Buy the Revel M105 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Studio 530 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M105 | JBL Studio 530 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1500 Discontinued | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | ~85dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum cone woofer, 1" aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide | 5.25" (130mm) PolyPlas™ cone woofer with SFG magnet, 1" (25mm) compression driver with Teonex® diaphragm on Bi-Radial® horn |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg each | 17 lbs / 7.7 kg each |
| Dimensions | 14"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) | 18.4"H x 8.4"W x 8.7"D (467 x 214 x 222 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.5kHz |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Revel M105: $1500 Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied.
Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.
Full Revel M105 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum cone woofer, 1" aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Studio 530: $399 Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly flat on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is very smooth aside from the high-frequency roll-off.
Cons: A peak around 1.4kHz is attributed to a tweeter resonance, and shows up as a distinct spike in harmonic distortion at that frequency along with a second resonance-driven bump around 2kHz. Response rolls off in the high frequencies and the tuning is a bit bass-shy overall. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows the same 1kHz-region resonances lingering in time. Discontinued.
Full JBL Studio 530 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.5kHz |
| Dimensions | 18.4"H x 8.4"W x 8.7"D (467 x 214 x 222 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" (130mm) PolyPlas™ cone woofer with SFG magnet, 1" (25mm) compression driver with Teonex® diaphragm on Bi-Radial® horn |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | ~85dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 17 lbs / 7.7 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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